Few could have guessed that Gabby Williams—fresh off a glittering Olympic silver medal with France—would drop a bombshell that would send shockwaves through both national-team circles and the WNBA world. Nobody thought that her news would be to axe EuroBasket 2025.
Few players in women’s basketball blend defensive intensity, playmaking flair, and international pedigree like Gabby Williams. Drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Sky in 2018, she quickly carved a niche as a versatile guard-forward capable of guarding multiple positions and igniting offense from anywhere on the floor.
The trajectory of the two-time Olympian and former All-Defense honoree has been defined by decision points between club and country. After a stellar 2024 Paris Olympics—where she posted 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals per game—she returned to Seattle and immediately impacted their playoff push.
Yet each accolade came at the cost of missing WNBA games or summer tournaments, culminating in this year’s bold choice.
Gabby Williams Announces To Forgo EuroBasket 2025
In a poignant Instagram Story shared on May 11, Williams revealed she would forgo the EuroBasket Women 2025 tournament to devote herself fully to the Seattle Storm’s upcoming season, a decision rooted in her commitment to growth and professional priorities.
“After careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision not to participate in EuroBasket 2025. This is a personal choice I did not take lightly, and I will remain the number one supporter of the French national team. I wish my teammates and staff the best for this competition.”
This announcement came just days after her re-signing with the Storm, setting the stage for what promises to be a season-defining year for both her and the franchise.
This move not only reshapes France’s roster prospects but also signals a renewed intensity from Seattle’s defensive lynchpin as the Storm chase their next championship.
Brazilian-American reporter Roberta F. Rodrigues initially broke the news on X (formerly Twitter), and the basketball community braced for impact.
The announcement reverberated across platforms, with Underdog WNBA confirming the withdrawal, “Gabby Williams said she will not participate in EuroBasket this summer,” and highlighting Williams’s stature as a former Olympic standout and key WNBA contributor.
William’s Storm Priorities vs. National Team Duty
EuroBasket Women 2025 is scheduled to tip off on June 18, with France expected to field one of its strongest squads in recent memory. Now, Williams’s message made it clear. Her focus will be on the Seattle Storm and the rigorous 40-game WNBA season.
By stepping back, she ensures she can enter Seattle’s training camp free from the usual summer travel load—a luxury she lacked in previous seasons when Olympic commitments kept her overseas until midyear.
Last season, Williams joined the Storm midway and instantly fortified their perimeter defense. In just 12 games, she averaged 10.3 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a career-high 1.7 steals per contest, showcasing her ability to pivot between offense and defense with seamless efficiency.
The 5’11” Seattle forward hasn’t played a single WNBA season since 2022 due to her often being tied to overseas play. Hence, her latest full-season availability could tilt close games in the Storm’s favor.
MORE: Seattle Storm 2025 WNBA Schedule: List of All Games, Key Matchups and More
The Seattle Storm open their season against the Phoenix Mercury on May 17, 2025, at PHX Arena, where a sold–out crowd is expected to witness Williams’s full commitment to the franchise.